Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was replaced by Ron Atkinson after the Scotsman pulled out of a dinner for the SAS.

The 72-year-old, who retired from management last year, was due to speak at the event, which 300 top brass paid £200 each to attend.

However, Ferguson was unable to feature at regimental HQ in Hereford, leaving ex-United boss Atkinson to be called on as a replacement.

According to the The Mirror, an army spokesman said: "Ron was a great stand-in and helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for military families, widows and partners who have lost loved ones serving abroad."

Meanwhile, Ferguson is expected to begin a teaching stint at Harvard University later this year.